About this episode

George Friedman discusses the implications of a Russian energy crisis and potential outcomes for Russia and Ukraine.

Will a Russian energy crisis finally lead to a negotiated settlement, or are we headed towards nuclear war? On this episode of Talking Geopolitics , GPF Chairman George Friedman joins host Christian Smith to discuss Ukrainian target shifts toward energy infrastructure and their impact on Russia's already fragile economy, the impending political crisis inside the Kremlin, and the viability of Russia's potential next steps, including "tactical" nukes, Belarusian involvement, and fully mobilizing reserve forces. Episode recorded on June 29, 2026. Learn more about GeoEconomic Lens and access the first issue for free at https://geopoliticalfutures.com/lens/introducing-lens/ . Learn more about GPF and subscribe to our free newsletter at http://www.geopoliticalfutures.com/gpf-newsletter .

People in this episode

Host: Christian Smith

Guest: George Friedman

Topics covered

• Russian energy crisis
• Ukrainian infrastructure
• nuclear war
• Kremlin politics
• military mobilization

Keywords

• Russia
• Ukraine
• energy crisis
• nuclear war
• Kremlin
• tactical nukes
• Belarus

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus

More episodes of Talking Geopolitics

• India & The New Anti-China Coalition · July 16, 2026 · 34 min
• The US-Iran "Gut Check" and the Future of European Defense · July 10, 2026 · 35 min
• Why the US-Iran Deal Could End in Crisis · June 18, 2026 · 42 min
• D-Day and the Cycles of American Reinvention · June 10, 2026 · 34 min
• US-Israel Alliance in Crisis: George Friedman Explains · June 4, 2026 · 38 min
• Crisis in Cuba: George Friedman on the Return of US Pressure · May 22, 2026 · 32 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Talking Geopolitics podcast page.